Rick McKay's FOLLOWING ELAINE - ELAINE STRITCH AT LIBERTY - Opening Day Verite Footage

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ELAINE STRITCH footage, as promised. This is never-before-seen footage we shot the day of Elaine opening ELAINE STRITCH AT LIBERTY at the Public Theater here in NYC. The show would get rave reviews the next day and the decision would be made to move the show to Broadway, where Elaine would win the Tony Award at last. This was Elaine's idea, but it didn't stop her from having me ride in the limo to the opening night party and screaming at me the entire way that I had ruined her opening night by "making" her work too hard. But, she LOVED the attention and being in front of cameras again. And you couldn't stay mad at Elaine for long - so I soon learned not to bother. She had most people in her life trained to behave that way as well ;-)
Watch for Elaine putting the hotel staff through their paces, coaxing a song out of her doctor, opening her heart up to me and her make-up girl at Sak's, grilling her uber-patient assistant Rick Borutta to find out who sent her flowers as she rated and berated each arrangement, warming up with the brilliant and loving musical director Rob Bowman - and one of my favorite shots: the planet's last two pterodactyls grazing on a hilltop - in other words, gossip columnist Liz Smith and Elaine running into each other on the first floor of Saks Fifth Avenue.
This is SUPER low-resolution footage as we edited on AVID when storage and processors were expensive and you didn't go full resolution till it was finished. The sound is all over the place as well. Sorry. This was a cuts-only, very, very rough edit early in the process, and, I have never shown it - but, I think Elaine would like it. Although I produced and directed the piece for PBS, at this early point in the edit the executive producers nixed my opening shot of Elaine warming up with Rob, saying, "We will lose every viewer under 50 when they see those 80 year-old legs." And they said no one knew Liz Smith - so she was out, too. And they decided that the whole opening day stuff was useless. But, of course, your erstwhile documentarian/historian/filmmaker held onto the rough cut as he thought someday that someone might find it of interest. So, someday is now - and I hope you do.
Elaine - they broke the mold. You were a pain in the ass, but I loved you. And by the way, those "boring is as boring does" roses that you see Elaine dismiss? She ended up giving them to me after beating me up in the cab. Oh, well - it's the thought that counts ;-)

[@MaxRyan777]

She came into a tiny coffee shop that I worked in on 45th street between shows of "A Delicate Balance" one of the rooms had a bathroom and the door was always broken.... She had given her order and gone into the bathroom and I thought "That lock better work. It's freaking ELAINE STRITCH!" Mind you NO ONE who worked with me knew who she was. I was getting her order together, when all of the sudden I hear this blood curdling shriek: "WHAT THE F?!! I'M TAKING A DUMP IN HERE!!" I almost died! She was EXACTLY as I knew she would be... She came out to get her order and I apologized up one side and down the other and she would hear none of it. She didn't care at all. She had a true heart of gold. She came back a couple more times and we kind of got to know each other. I was a young actor at the time and she couldn't have been more supportive and honest about the "business" with me. She knew how hardcore it really was and warned me over and over that it's the hardest thing in the world and she was right... She got my house seats to see her show and I was just blown away by her work in that show. She told me to meet her after the show and I stood outside with flowers for her. She ran out the door and saw me among all the people wanting an autograph, she pulled me out into the street and to the car waiting for her, she said "I can't with all those people!!" She took the flowers and looked in my eyes and truly asked "What did you think?" ELAINE STRITCH was asking ME what I thought... I almost couldn't speak... I said something like "You were incredible. It was like there was only you on that stage." She got tears in her eyes, hugged me so tight and kissed me right on the mouth. She said "I really wanted to know what you thought..." People started encroaching the car and she kissed me again and said "I gotta get outta here!" She winked, jumped into her car and I never saw here again... One of my fondest memories in my life. Bless her. CLASS ACT all the way. She is missed be so many, but she lives on in our hearts.

[@kylearcher1451]

This is thrilling to read!!!!! I work over nights at my job and I have Eliane’s show playing almost nightly!!!!! I just love it!!! And I love this story you had the privilege to live and know personally!!!!! My God..... to be this privileged!!! God bless her!!! Thank you for your sharing!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@MaxRyan777]

@@kylearcher1451 she was the best!

[@kennethbrady]

Epic story, Max! And very well told.

[@sambrownsings]

What an amazing story. And an amazing woman. I wish more young people knew about her. We need more people like her in the world.

[@MaxRyan777]

@@sambrownsings so agree

[@CoryJones-yc9ie]

It is so incredible that she made sure her maid was able to come see the show with her whole family. THAT is generosity and kindness

[@toeknee1965]

the assistant is. a saint

[@Richie8a8y]

Rick!

[@RaymondHng]

@@Richie8a8y Filmmaker Rick McKay passed away in 2018 at 62.

[@SamTuckerSmith]

“Who are these white flowers?” “Oh, these are the card I gave you before… Kristin Chenoweth” “Who’s that?!”

[@coreycaldwell322]

FYI: The man at 19:58 is John Lahr, who’s the son of Bert Lahr, the guy who played the Cowardly Lion. And he’s a great writer as well.

[@kylearcher1451]

This is what Hollywood calls one of the great big-mouth broads... believe me... it’s a huge compliment and no one will fill her shoes! People gravitate to folks like Elaine! And it’s no wonder..... SHE IS LIFE!!!!

[@jhb61249]

Elaine is a complete study of the human being existence, pursuit of life, love and happiness, and all the psyche that goes with it. She was a living public life long and we'll documented laboratory experiment. Thanks for providing to us this video.

[@glamdolly30]

How kind and lovely she is to all the hotel staff. A fabulous woman and a true star - up there with the very best of the best. God bless her for all the great gifts she shared with the world on her journey through. X

[@lenwelch2195]

She lived life to its fullest, every last minute hooray for Elaine ,

[@smurf902]

That doctor has a gorgeous voice

[@cjboffoli]

What a privilege to see this footage. She's absolutely fascinating. I can't believe she's gone. Thank you for posting this!

[@asherernest1625]

you probably dont care at all but does anyone know a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I somehow forgot my password. I would love any assistance you can give me

[@claymoses9629]

@Asher Ernest Instablaster ;)

[@asherernest1625]

@Clay Moses i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site on google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@asherernest1625]

@Clay Moses it worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D Thanks so much you saved my ass :D

[@claymoses9629]

@Asher Ernest Happy to help xD

[@andytaylor5960]

What a FABULOUS lady, I would love to have been her friend! RIP

[@brianeduardo1234]

When I saw this in NYC it was one of best things I ever saw and in 2023 it still is - wonderful ❤

[@Vodkastinger]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us all!! RISE!

[@suzeauster2223]

God broke the mold with precious Elaine❤️ Thank You Very Much for Sharing ❤️

[@ericplunder2744]

RIIIICK!! Her assistant is a saint.

[@RaymondHng]

Filmmaker Rick McKay passed away in 2018 at 62.

[@george-nm9ol]

That was one of the best Katharine Hepburn imitations I've ever heard-

[@264aub]

Whats the time on it?

[@petermcgarry7985]

16:49

[@t.p.mckenna]

She's still greatly missed. My dad met her in London when they shared the same agent during her 'Savoy' years and I had the great joy of seeing 'At Liberty' when she brought it to the Old Vic theatre. The show recording regularly comes around on my home playlist.

[@brianeduardo1234]

You are TP McKenna’s? That is great - super actor- message from Dublin

[@TheGuillermo519]

Thanks for posting this. I've really only discovered Elaine Stritch in the last year and yet I'm obsessed. I listen (and sing along) to "At Liberty" almost daily. Man she's something else. Here's to Elaine.

[@davidwh2653]

"these are from Kristin Chenoweth" "...who's that??" lmao

[@ToddinHellsKitchen]

Rick: Thanks a million for posting this! Great fun!

[@RaymondHng]

Filmmaker Rick McKay passed away in 2018 at 62.

[@lenwelch2195]

I’d love to be as interesting and entertaining as Elaine but I know I can’t , that goes for other people too. Lol She breathes life in to people by making them a Laugh - for those 5 seconds the person takes a holiday from their troubles. What a gift to give someone.

[@silencedogood5766]

What a pistol!! Absolutely adored this woman! Once in a while a great lady comes along and she definitely was one!!! truly miss her quick wit and dry humor !6

[@alexandrabillings99]

Absolutely incredible.

[@victorsilvester78]

Adorable Elaine, much missed. I remember her living in London and a regular feature on our TV, radio and stage. RIP Elaine.

[@22professional]

"Christen Chenoweth"...."WHO'S THAT?" 😂😂😂😂

[@gabefuller5212]

There's so much I love about this but as a makeup artist I think it's so cute she went to Saks to get her makeup done.

[@lamontrussell1524]

Omg. Thank you so much for this. It's pure magic.

[@michaelgask]

Rick is just amazing... so calm and straightforward... the best assistant ever for this situation. :) A great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@RaymondHng]

Filmmaker Rick McKay passed away in 2018 at 62.

[@glamdolly30]

@@RaymondHng Elaine's right hand man died? Oh no, 62 is no age. I hope they are reunited in Heaven, with Elaine constantly busting his balls over some small detail, then telling him she loves him!

[@pdxguy44]

AWESOME FOOTAGE AND A GREAT PART OF HER LEGACY. THANK YOU!

[@w.urlitzer1869]

what a piece of work.

[@Nailsnailsnailsallday]

Elaine was a amazing amazing person! Her comedic timing just gold …so nostalgic seeing this I mean look how far we have come in terms of technology iPhones hd cameras This was real raw theatre fabulousness…I like to propose a toast 🥂 to Elaine Stritch

[@MimiYouyu]

💚💚💚i miss this beautiful broad!

[@BigNickyP]

Love this footage, at one point I watched At Liberty every night for four months just comforting.

[@grai]

how will we live now all that old style glamour is gone?

[@MovieBios]

We persevere Grai, we persevere - just hold out for my new film, "Broadway: BEYOND the Golden Age" - it will be coming out in early 2018 if all goes well, and that will help you, I promise! Keep your eye on our website (which is not up to date now, but will be soon), as Stritch will be back in the new film as well! www.broadwaythemovie.com

[@WryRy]

Thank you for sharing!

[@zyxw2024]

Watching this. She's in SFA. This threw me back to 1975. I was employed at SFA 1975 to 1980. I had several positions there. I started off on the fifth floor. At that time, it was the woman's haute couture salons. Broadway actresses would show up with just a fur coat on to purchase a dress for an event. Of course it was the colder months when this occurred.

[@mirrenfan2]

Thanks for posting! :)

[@mvl1796]

I loved this!! Thank you so much for sharing!!!

[@ikurrinegartzia5487]

Thank you so much . No words .

[@andytaylor5960]

Fabulous!!

[@stevegriffiths5866]

Fabulous.

[@3506Dodge]

a warm hand on your opening.......!

[@DannyBoo3]

THANK YOU! PRECIOUS!!

[@bbbbbx5]

Kristin Chenoweth...Who's that?

[@stinkingtruth]

I know! Cracked me up.

[@callynt]

LOL...really funny. But it was 2001.

[@itstheburnz]

Guess Laine never saw Wicked.

[@george-nm9ol]

Well wicked didn't open till 2003 lol. She probably didn't bother going to see "Good Man" either.

[@forevermonde]

I love her but I especially ADORE her assistant ❤❤

[@RaymondHng]

Filmmaker Rick McKay passed away in 2018 at 62.

[@jimnoneofyobusiness5067]

What a life!!!! 😚

[@smurf902]

I waited for Elaine after A DELICATE BALANCE. She loved conversing with her fans. She truly engaged

[@smurf902]

Even the staff at her building (Carlyle Hotel) were enamoured with Elaine. Trust me, people don't hug and kiss their guests unless they're really a part of the family.

[@michaelisennock8391]

"Kristin Chenoweth" Elaine:"Who's that?" 😂

[@denisespurlock7869]

RIP, Elaine! I know your companions will not be.

[@janetpaquette9732]

I live for her at the 17:40 mark.

[@707Laslo]

Une Grande Dame pétrie de qualités... je vous aime Madame.... a bientôt.

[@src3360]

I had the pleasure of working for Mrs Joan Steinbrenner for several years and her humor and mannerisms were very much similar to Elaine's.

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

This makeup artist #omg

[@pam0626]

I hope Rick got a huge raise when this show closed.

[@nicktelecast]

aaaaaaaaahhhhhh

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

Lmao the poor guy even has to crank the Dan curtain lolol

[@peterdurkin1499]

She acts like She owns the Hotel Carlyle

[@nickbigd]

You can act that way when you’ve lived there for 12 years and made friends with all the staff and invited them and their families to your opening night of your Tony winning solo Broadway show.

[@norahyde5733]

Excuse me peter but yes she does and she is queen

[@707Laslo]

Juste Wonder Full...

[@randysills4418]

I love her so much, but she is exhausting before the show!

[@MJ69ism]

I want that doctor and all his speed oops I mean b12 shots and feelbetterin

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Me, too. I thought that went out with Dr. Max Jacobsom

[@lenas270]

I can only pray that I have the chance to meet her in person one day and that she would see fit to see me too. Then the both of us could and would be truly TRUE. ^-^ MWAH!!!

[@rr7firefly]

It's a little sad that she cannot remember anyone named Sam (who sent her the flowers) Sam Cohn was Elaine's agent, for crying out loud.

[@cphelan6618]

the song she sings at the end- it is not in the at liberty dvd, is it? I dont remember it.

[@nickbigd]

It’s called “When Do the Bells Ring For Me” a song by Tony Bennett

[@itstheburnz]

Crazy.. has her makeup done at Dept store makeup salon? For every show? Never heard of such a thing ..

[@nickbigd]

I agree. Seems impractical. Maybe because it was opening night?

[@JasonRobertSnyder86]

Kristin Chenowith…who’s that??😂😂

[@nursegrace7492]

16:25 who is Carrie Giler (?)

[@randysills4418]

I am exhausted and I am only six minutes in! I had a friend who had a similar personality to Elaine Stritch' but certainly nowhere near as brilliant...

[@Koldeman]

I always wondered why she never took Hollywood by storm...same with Carol Channing. 2 completely different personalities. Yes, there was the occasional appearance & Channing even achieved an Oscar nom, but neither really broke out. Not like on Broadway. After watching this, I think part of the reason is because Elaine's personality is untamed, brash, & 100% REAL. There was no filter, no 'professional courtesy', or withheld opinion. I don't think the Hollywood establishment was capable of molding Elaine into a Hollywood figure; more or less the same with Carol. In a nutshell, they were probably terrified of her. Channing's eccentricities & "wackiness" probably had a similar response. If I understand it right (and I am completely an outside observer), one has to be more of a fighter, more of a self-motivated figure of "creative stamina" to make it on the "Great White Way" than on a soundstage. I could be wrong, but I think she has more "guts & moxie" than anyone who could be considered a contemporary in the movie & TV business.

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

15:37 someone's gonna get strangled n it's not the guy!! Geezus elaine

[@iantrevelyan5007]

I admire her talent, but I would not want her around me for longer than 3 minutes.

[@elissakartman]

Me too.

[@pam0626]

She’s a total diva, to be sure, but her vulnerability is so endearing.

[@jpetersgoyanks]

That's a broad!

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

Kristen chenoweth must be cringing lol

[@user-kf8wb2cq4f]

ELAINE was Wonderful..truly Charismatic. BUT, she "sucked the air Out" of Every Room she entered. It could be Tiresome and, ultimately, BORING.

[@twerkinthecityhuh6340]

#worstmakeupjobever

[@bokanija]

slabo slabo ilejn

[@peterdurkin1499]

She thinks she is a Diva..i dontvthink so